The Beautiful Water World of Lake Como, Italy

After I had seen Milan on foot, tram and bike (bikemi.it) and done all things Milanese—such as drinking coffee while standing up at local coffee bars, enjoying single and double scoops of gelato, indulging in retail therapy on the upscale street Via Monte Napoleone and at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan’s oldest shopping mall, staring up in awe at the Duomo’s statues, marble and spires which took almost 500 years to build, visiting the artsy Fondazione Prada and strolling along the canals of the Navigli District which Leonardo Da Vinci was involved in—it was time to leave Milano behind and set off for Lake Como! Ciao Milano!

WATER VIEWS

It's quick and easy to get to Lake Como by train from Milan Centrale, taking about 45 minutes with a round-trip ticket that cost about 18 Euros. Lake Como (Lago di Como) is a scenic area in Italy with a stretch of 30 plus Italian lake towns where you see a confluence of mountains, lake and sky, tall, skinny Cypress trees and Italianate villas. It doesn’t matter which town you set foot in; you’re guaranteed a lovely lake view. The beauty of this region can be best enjoyed from spring to early autumn. Not only is the area replete with picturesque scenery but it allows for easy access to the grandeur of Switzerland and the Swiss Alps. Bellagio, Menaggio and Varenna are where waters intersect and make up the Lake Como triangle.

FOOD AND FERRIES

After my train arrived in Como, I took a short walk from the train station to the ferry landing where you can be whisked away to any of the lake-based towns. Check out navigazionelaghi.it for ferry information. Passing by many lively ristorantes, bars and gelato shops, I spied locals and tourists feasting on pasta, pizza and gelato. Since the ferry wasn’t leaving for a while, on that Spring Sunday, I visited the nearby local outdoor food market to procure some traditional Italian fare (focaccia bread, cheese, salami and olives) for a simple and tasty picnic lunch eaten al fresco. Then I took the fast ferry to Menaggio which cost about 15 Euros and lasted 1 hour. On the way to Menaggio and for the rest of the day; I remained mesmerized by harbor views in between bites of pizza and sips of wine. Travel by hopping on and off the ferries is the best way to get around Lake Como.

THE ORIGINAL BELLAGIO

The next morning, I headed to Bellagio via the Varenna Ferry for about 5 Euros where I went on a 1-hour historical tour of Bellagio, the “Pearl of Lake Como,” and the inspiration for the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. However, this is a small town version compared to the larger than life extravaganza in the US. To see more of Bellagio, there’s a 2-3-hour walking tour of its suburbs and hamlets on its eastern side. Check out bellagiolakecomo.com for more information.

Another 5 Euros provided me passage on the ferry from Bellagio to Tremezzo where I strolled around town and visited Villa Carlotta and its fragrant gardens. Lunching on a mozzarella panini with a glass of vino at Red & White Bar on Via Portici San Pietro, hit the spot. If you prefer a luxurious dining experience, then there’s the Grand Hotel Tremezzo.

I figured a bus ride to get a feel for the land was in order after so much water travel and the hour-long ride on the C10 bus from Tremezzo to Como allowed me a quick peek at a few different towns. Once in Como again, I ended my visit with a 7-minute ride on the Como-Brunate funicular for 5.50 Euros round-trip giving a lovely aerial view of the lake, and an aperitivo. It didn’t disappoint! I was a bit disappointed that I hadn’t spotted George Clooney, one of Como’s famous residents, on my travels, but perhaps next trip.

Ciao for now Lake Como! I’ll definitely be back!

Text by Caron R. Luteran Photos: iStockphoto.com